First for United

Last updated : 11 December 2002 By Martyn Elliott

In fact the last time they had seen rain that heavy in the City was five years ago, when Newcastle were in town for a Champions League game.

However it is not the first time a Champions League game has been postponed in recent years, and a bit of rain seems a rather tame reason in comparison.

Political unrest in Turkey, a hostage crisis in Moscow and the 9/11 attacks have all previously halted games.

The good news is that the weather in Barcelona today is fine and that the game looks certain to go ahead tonight.

***** The game will be televised live on the ITV News Channel (kick off 7.45pm), which is available on digital cable (channels 123 and 617) and satellite (channel 625) and will also be broadcast on local radio and BBC Radio Five Live Extra. TV Highlights are on ITV1 at 10.55pm.